Week of 20 Pentecost - C
This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:
http://www.commontexts.org/
and:
http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html
The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, "Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers," United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.
The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:
http://shepherdboy.byethost12.com/ (Please bookmark this link).
Journalspace.com, my former 'blog host is being reorganized under new ownership. I no longer publish there. I have also lost mypodcast.com, my podcast host. This 'blog is mirrored at:
http://shepboy.multiply.com/
.mp3 Podcasts via Linux Festival text-to-speech and Panopreter Basic text-to-speech are available at:
http://shepherdboy.byethost12.com/dw_bible2/a_year/Wklx_a.html
Please Note: I will post weekly by Saturday, noon, (God willing), Pacific time (UTC-8:00) for the week of the Church Season which begins on Sunday. Please scroll down for the desired day, or save the week to your desktop/hard drive.
Podcast Download: Week of 20 Pentecost - C
Sunday 20 Pentecost - C
First Posted October 10, 2010;
Podcast: Sunday 20 Pentecost - C
Habakkuk 1:1-3 -- The Righteous Shall Live by Faith;
Psalm 95:6-11 2:1-4 -- God's Kingship;
2 Timothy 1:3-14 -- Truth Entrusted to Us;
Luke 17:1-10 -- Forgiveness and Faith;
Habakkuk Paraphrase:
The prophet complains to God that he is surrounded by trouble and injustice, violence, strife, and contention. His call to God for help seems to go unanswered. So the prophet waits for God's reply.
The Lord answered the prophet and gave him a vision which the Lord told the prophet to write down in clearly understandable form, so that anyone who reads it can flee from disaster. The vision (of divine justice) will be fulfilled in due time. It will come in the end; it is not an empty promise. If it seems slow in coming, wait for it. It will surely come; it cannot be delayed. Watch and see: the righteous shall live by faith, but the unrighteous shall fail.
Psalm Paraphrase:
“O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand” (Psalm 95:6-7).
Give heed to his voice today! Don't harden your hearts as the Israelites did at Massah and Meribah in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7), when they tested the Lord and demanded proof, although they had experienced the Lord's deeds on their behalf. The Lord loathed those people for forty years, and declared that their error was deep within their hearts and they do not keep God's ways. In anger, God swore that they could not enter his rest (in the Promised Land).
2 Timothy Paraphrase:
Paul recalled Timothy's sorrow at their last parting and longed for the joy of visiting with Timothy again. Paul was thankful of his own religious heritage when he recalled the faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother. Paul urged Timothy to apply the gift of the Holy Spirit which Timothy had received by his “discipling” by Paul. The gift of the Holy Spirit is one of power, love, and self-control; not timidity.
Paul urged Timothy not to be ashamed to testify of the Lord Jesus, nor of Paul, who was in prison (for preaching the Gospel). Timothy should be willing to endure suffering for the Gospel by the power which God supplies. God saved us and gave us a holy calling (to proclaim the Gospel) not because of anything we did to deserve it, but because of God's grace (unmerited favor; free gift) which he gave us long ago in Christ, and which has now been revealed in the coming of Jesus. Jesus' coming has abolished (eternal) death and revealed (eternal) life and immortality through the Gospel.
Paul was suffering (in prison, awaiting martyrdom) for the Gospel for which he had been appointed (by Jesus) a preacher, apostle, and teacher, but he was not ashamed. Paul knew and believed Jesus, and was confident that the Lord could guard what had been entrusted to Paul until the Day of Christ's return. Paul urged Timothy to follow his example by the faith and love we have in Jesus, and faithfully guard the truth entrusted to him by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Luke Paraphrase:
Jesus told his disciples that they would experience temptations, but those who tempt his disciples (“little ones”) will suffer such consequences that they would be better off being tied to a millstone and downed in the sea.
Jesus warns us to watch out for ourselves. If a fellow believer sins, we should rebuke him; if he repents, we must forgive him, even seven times in a day.
The disciples asked the Lord to increase their faith. Jesus replied that if they had any faith at all (as small as a mustard seed) they could command a mulberry tree to be rooted up and planted in the sea and it would obey.
Jesus used the parable of the unworthy servant to illustrate obedience to God: If a master had a servant plowing a field or tending sheep, when the servant finishes and returns, would the master have the servant sit down and eat while the master serves him? Wouldn't the master require the servant to serve his master first? Does the master thank his servant for doing what he was commanded? No; the servant has only done his duty.
Commentary:
Saving faith is obedient trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus is God's only provision for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal death and destruction (Acts 4:12; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, right, home). Faith is not getting whatever one believes if one believes “hard enough.” Faith is not “wishing on a star.”
The Christian life in this world requires faith. There are going to be times of trouble and times of temptation. There will be times when we call to the Lord for help and don't receive an immediate answer.
Testing the Lord and demanding proof are the opposite of faith. The Israelites witnessed, over and over, the saving acts of the Lord in their behalf. They had seen the Ten Plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7:8-11:10) to gain their freedom, the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31), and God's provision of meat (Quail) and manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:1-21), but still insisted on “proof” in order to believe God's Word. They refused to enter the Promised Land on God's command (Numbers 14:1-10), so they were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years until they died (Numbers 14:26-35). The only adults allowed to enter were Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:36-38), who had advocated for entry and possession of the Promised Land.
Timothy was apparently already a Christian believer through his mother and grandmother, but was not born-again until Paul discipled him. Paul is deliberately intended by God to be the prototype and example of a modern, “post-resurrection,” born-again disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ, as we also can be. Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was discipled by a born-again disciple, Ananias (Acts 9:10-17), until Paul was reborn (Acts 9:18), and then Paul began to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) which Jesus gave to his disciples to be carried out after they had been born-again (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8). Timothy is an example of Paul's fulfillment of the Great Commission.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is powerful, but it is modulated by love and self-control. We must overcome our timidity in order to apply the power of the Holy Spirit by proclaiming the Gospel boldly. But it must not be proclaimed without love and self-control.
Discipleship is learning to be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. At first I was timid, and found it difficult to testify even in Church Sunday School. But with practice and experience it became easier to testify, even out in daily life in the world. As I grew spiritually, I had more experiences of God's faithfulness and more opportunities to testify.
By the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit we walk through the wilderness of this lifetime, experiencing God's saving acts on our behalf. These experiences are intended to help us grow to spiritual maturity. As we experience God's power and faithfulness, our faith in his ability to deliver us grows.
I have suffered (nothing which can compare to Paul's suffering) for the Gospel, even within the nominal Church. For example, I was prevented from continuing an adult class on spiritual growth, which broke my heart. But the Lord comforted me and gave me other opportunities.
The Lord has opened my mind to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45) and has revealed God's eternal truth to me (1 Corinthians 1:17-29; 2:1-7). I have a daily personal fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I know him in whom I have believed, and am sure that he can keep me uncompromised until the Day of the Lord.
We shouldn't expect special recognition and commendation for testifying to the Gospel. Someone shared the Gospel with us, and we have received the benefit, so we should be eager to share the Gospel with others (Matthew10:8b).
The Lord has commanded his born-again disciples to go into the world to make (born-again) disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching them to trust and obey all that Jesus teaches (Matthew 28:19-20). This is only our minimum obligation as servants of the Lord.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Monday 20 Pentecost - C
First Posted October 11, 2010;
Podcast: Monday 20 Pentecost - C
Psalm 111 – The Fear of the Lord;
Paraphrase:
Let the Lord be praised! In the congregation of the upright I will give thanks to the Lord with my entire heart. The works of the Lord are great; they are studied by all who delight in them. His works are full of honor and majesty, and his righteousness is eternal. He is gracious and merciful, and his wonderful works will be remembered. He feeds those who fear him; he constantly remembers his covenant.
He has revealed the power of his works to his people, and has given them the heritage of the nations. His deeds are faithful and just; his laws are trustworthy and eternal, to be obeyed in faithfulness and uprightness. He has given his people redemption; his covenant is forever. Awesome and holy is his name! “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10).
Commentary:
I believe that the meaning and purpose of life in this world is to seek and find fellowship with God, our Creator (Acts 17:26-27). This is only possible through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17).
By the baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit we have personal daily fellowship with the Lord. We experience his goodness, love and power personally as we trust in his Word, and our faith grows. When we experience trials, we can recall what the Lord has done for us, recorded in the Bible, and from our own personal experiences, and be encouraged and strengthened. If we study the Lord's works we will delight in them and agree that they are indeed great.
Until one has the appropriate awe and respect for the power and authority of God, one doesn't know enough!
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Tuesday 20 Pentecost - C
First Posted October 12, 2010;
Podcast: Tuesday 20 Pentecost - C
Ruth 1:1-19a – Steadfast Love;
Paraphrase:
As a result of famine in the land, a man, Elimelech, and his wife, Naomi, of Bethlehem, and their two sons, named Mahlon and Chilion, went to Moab (east of the Dead Sea) to live. Elimelech died, and the two sons took Moabite wives named Orpha and Ruth. After ten years the sons also died. Naomi decided to return to Judah, since she had heard that the famine was over, and she urged her two daughters-in-law to stay with their families in Moab.
The daughters wept and intended to return with Naomi, but Naomi discouraged them since there was no hope for them to to remarry in Naomi's (immediate) family. Orpha wept and turned back to Moab, but Ruth clung to Naomi. Ruth vowed to go with Naomi and dwell with her, and accept Naomi's people and God as her own; she would die and be buried with Naomi. When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to convince her otherwise, and the two went to Bethlehem.
Commentary:
Bethlehem was the birthplace of David, the shepherd-king of Israel, the forerunner of the Messiah; of Jesus, the “Son” (descendant) of David, and eternal heir to David's throne. Moab, east of the Dead Sea, was hostile to Israel.
Naomi tried to do what she thought was best for her daughters-in-law, rather than her own self-interest, but Ruth chose to sacrifice her self-interest, for love of Naomi. Although it seemed unlikely that Ruth could remarry into Naomi's family, she eventually did marry Boaz, the kinsman of Ruth's first husband, Naomi's son, (Ruth 2:1-4:17) and she became the great-grandmother of David.
Ruth was a “Gentile,” a non-Jew, but she accepted the Lord God of Israel and committed her life to live accordingly. This is the point of the Gospel: All who accept Jesus as Lord become the “chosen people of God,” the spiritual children of Abraham.
Ruth was willing to give up the prospect of remarriage into Naomi's family, but she was eventually rewarded.
There is a spiritual famine in this world. God's people must go out into the world, into the territory of the enemy of God's people. We must love them, to the extent of accepting them into our families. We must offer them the opportunity of accepting our Lord. Some will receive the benefit of salvation.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Wednesday 20 Pentecost - C
First Posted October 13, 2010;
Podcast: Wednesday 20 Pentecost - C
2 Timothy 2:8-13 - Courage and Perseverance;
We are exhorted to remember the Gospel of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, the great human shepherd-king of Israel. This is the Gospel which Paul preached, and for which he was imprisoned and shackled. But God's Word cannot be shackled. Paul endured all sorts of persecution for the Gospel for the sake of the elect,* so that they may also obtain salvation (from eternal condemnation), which in Jesus leads to eternal glory.
Paul quotes what is probably an early Christian Hymn, to the effect that as we die with Jesus (crucify our human lusts and desires) we will also live (eternally) with him. We will reign with Jesus eternally in God's kingdom in Heaven, if we persevere. Those who deny Jesus, he will also deny. He will remain faithful, even if we are faithless, because faithfulness is his nature.
Commentary:
David is the illustration and forerunner of Christ (Messiah). David was shepherd-king of Israel; Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and eternal heir to the throne of David, in fulfillment of God's Word (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Matthew 1:1; 21:9).
The world can restrain apostles (messengers; of the Gospel) but not the Gospel (“Good News” of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life with God in Heaven). The world hated and crucified Jesus, but in doing so they fulfilled the Gospel (1 Corinthians 2:8). If the world hated Jesus, Christians cannot expect better treatment.
Once Christians have been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8) we are to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to others (Matthew 28:19-20), so that they can be saved from eternal condemnation and receive forgiveness, salvation and eternal life through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Not everyone will appreciate our proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must not fear or be discouraged by rejection and persecution, but must persevere. If we do we will eventually receive glory with Jesus in Heaven.
To follow Jesus, we must sacrifice our own lusts, desires, and wills in order to do his will. We must die to ourselves so that we can live for and with him. We really don't know what we want or what is best for us. If we do we will find that God's will for us is so much better than what we think we want for ourselves.
We are all chosen to receive forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus. We are not forced to accept Jesus; it's our free choice. But if we but if we refuse or fail to accept Jesus as our Lord and personal Savior, he will reject and deny us on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6, 8-10).
A Christian is by definition a “born-again” disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 1l:26c). Only Jesus gives the gift (“baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The indwelling Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is possible for one to know with certainty for oneself whether one has been born-again (Acts 19:2).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
* Chosen; for mercy and favor. Actually we all chosen for mercy and favor, forgiveness and salvation. But God won't force it on us. The question is, do we accept election, by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ?
Thursday 20 Pentecost - C
First Posted October 14, 2010;
Podcast: Thursday 20 Pentecost - C
Luke 17:11-19 – Ten Lepers Cleansed;
Paraphrase:
On his way to Jerusalem, as Jesus passed from Galilee to Samaria, he entered a village. There he encountered ten lepers who stood at a distance and asked Jesus for mercy. When Jesus saw them, he told them to go and show themselves to the priests. They were healed as they went. One who saw that he was cleansed turned back and fell at Jesus' feet, praising God and giving thanks to Jesus. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked why, since ten were cleansed, was this “foreigner” the only one to return and give praise to God. Jesus told the Samaritan to rise and go on his way; he had been healed by his faith.
Commentary:
When the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel with the fall of Samaria in 721 B.C., all the able-bodied were deported and the ten northern tribes effectively ceased to exist. Only the weak and disabled were allowed to remain, and captives from other conquered lands were brought in to settle and pacify Northern Israel. These intermingled with the remnant of the northern tribes and became the Samaritans, of mixed race and religion.
Lepers were ritually “unclean” and were not allowed to mingle with healthy people, and weren't allowed to participate in worship in the temple. They had to be examined by priests to be certified “clean” (leprosy-free) before they could rejoin the community. It would take faith to go to show themselves to the priests, knowing and seeing that they were leprous.
Leprosy is symbolic of sin. In a sense, we are all spiritual “lepers” in need of spiritual healing. We are “cleansed” as we come to Jesus and become obedient and trusting and do what he says.
The Samaritans, who were regarded by Jews as racially and religiously “illegitimate,” were more receptive to Jesus than the Jews (John 4:7-42). Most Jews never accepted Jesus as the promised Messiah, and called for and crucified Jesus (Matthew 27:23, 25).
Jesus' miracles of physical healing, feeding, and resurrection were intended to demonstrate that he also has the power to heal, feed and resurrect spiritually. People who came to Jesus only for physical needs received only that. Physical healing lasts only until the next illness; physical feeding lasts only until the next mealtime; spiritual healing, feeding, and “resurrection” (“re-birth;” John 3:3, 5-8) are for all eternity. The one who received spiritual healing was the Samaritan who returned to the feet of Jesus.
In my experience, it is often easier to evangelize those outside the nominal Church than within. Often, nominal Church members haven't read their Bibles, and hold on to Church doctrines they've been taught (see False Teachings, sidebar, right, home).
We all die physically once and then comes judgment, not reincarnation, and not “nothingness” (Hebrews 9:27). There is a Day of Judgment coming when Christ returns at the end of time. Those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, who have trusted and obeyed his teachings will have been “born-again” in this lifetime, and will enter eternal life. Those who have rejected Jesus as Lord and Savior, and have refused or failed to trust and obey his teachings will be condemned to eternal destruction in Hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Friday 20 Pentecost - C
First Posted October 15, 2010;
Podcast: Friday 20 Pentecost - C
Ephesians 5:15-21 – Righteous Living;
Paraphrase:
Be careful how you live your lives, not as the foolish, but as wise people. The days are evil, so make the most of your time. Don't be foolish; understand the Lord's will. Don't practice drunkenness and debauchery; instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. Address one another with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs. With all your heart, sing and and make melody to the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father with all your heart always, for everything.
Out of reverence for Christ, be subject to one another.
Commentary:
The times are indeed evil. America is no longer a Christian nation. There has been a shocking rise in gangs, drugs, sex, and violence. We must be careful not to conform to the values of the society around us.
Instead of pursuing our carnal (fleshly) desires we must seek to know and do God's will. If we sincerely seek God's will with the intention of doing it he will reveal it to us, but not to “window-shoppers” who are not committed to doing it.
The way to seek God's will is one day at a time, in daily devotional “quite time” with prayer, Bible reading, and meditation. When I was beginning my daily walk with the Lord, I used a devotional booklet like this devotional, and it seemed that the Lord was underlining certain phrases. So then I would pray it back to the Lord for confirmation that I had understood, and then would work on that idea for the day.
A Christian is by definition a “born-again” disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26c; John 3:3, 5-8). One must be born-again by the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is possible to know for oneself with certainty whether or not one has been born-again (Acts 19:2).
Christian discipleship is a spiritual growth process. Once we have been born-again, we need to be “discipled” by the indwelling Holy Spirit to spiritual maturity. We must make ourselves available to his guidance through daily devotional “quiet time,” and then follow that guidance during the day. We must give up what we think we want, in order to do what the Lord wants, but we will find that his his will for our lives is so much better than our own.
It is by the indwelling Holy Spirit that we experience the love and joy of the Lord. We experience the indwelling Holy Spirit as a daily ongoing event.
We can have great fellowship with other born-again Christians, relating to each other in spiritual terms. That fellowship is far more rewarding than secular fellowship, such as centering around drinking and secular conversation.
Let us remember to always give thanks to the Lord, regardless of present circumstances. We can only truly praise the Lord by the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3; Romans 8:15-17). We can trust the Lord to comfort us in trials, bring us through them, and deliver us from bad circumstances.
Jesus is the Lord of lords and King of kings; the very Son of God, and yet he came to serve us. He set the example for us to follow (John 13:3-17). Instead of relating to other people for what they can do for us, we should care for them and find ways to serve them.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Saturday 20 Pentecost - C
First Posted October 16, 2010;
Podcast: Saturday 20 Pentecost - C
Matthew 22:1-14 - Parable of the Marriage Feast;
Paraphrase:
Jesus was teaching in the temple (Matthew 21:23) and he told a parable (a fictional story of common earthly experience used to teach spiritual truth) of a wedding feast. He compared the kingdom of heaven to a marriage feast provided by a king for his son. He sent his servant to call the invited guests, but they would not come. He sent other servants to them, saying that the king had killed his oxen and fat calves and everything was ready, and they should come to the feast. But the invited guests made light of the invitation. One went off to his farm, another to his business. The rest siezed the king's servants, treated them shamefully and killed them. The king was angry and sent his troops to kill the murderers and burn their city.
Then the king told his servants that those who had been invited weren't worthy, but since the feast was prepared, they were to go into the highways and byways and invite everyone they could find. The servants did so, and brought back both good and bad people, so the dining hall was filled with guests.
When the king came in to his guests, he noticed that a man was present without a wedding garment, and, calling him “friend,” he asked the man how he got in without a wedding garment. The man was speechless. The king ordered his attendants to bind the man and cast him into outer darkness; “there [people] will weep and gnash their teeth. For many are called but few are chosen” Matthew 22:13c-14).
Commentary:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like this marriage feast. God is the king, Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is the bride. We are all invited to the marriage feast in heaven (Matthew 26:26-29), but we need a “wedding garment,” which is the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The “outer darkness” is Hell.
We are all eternal beings in physical bodies. We are all born into this world physically alive but spiritually unborn. This lifetime is our only opportunity to be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit.
The baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit is not conferred by some Church ritual such as baptism or “confirmation” (“affirmation”) of baptism. (see False Teachings, sidebar, right, home). The baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit is a personally discernible, daily, ongoing event (Acts 19:2).
How many people in our world today are letting worldly pursuits keep them from responding to the invitation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How many people today are hostile to that Gospel and the messengers of it?
We're all sinners, “bad people,” who fall short of God's righteousness (Romans 3:23; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, right, home), but when we respond in faith (obedient trust) to Jesus' invitation, we receive the “wedding garment” of Jesus' own righteousness (Romans 3:22; 5:17b, 21; 10:3-4; Philippians 1:11; 2 Peter 1:1).
No one can get into God's kingdom in Heaven without the “wedding garment,” the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Just being “members” of the nominal Church won't save us. Just singing in the choir or teaching Sunday School won't save us. Calling ourselves Christians or even “born-again” won't save us (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46). Only a personal relationship with the Lord through the baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit will save us from eternal condemnation and eternal death in Hell with all evil.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
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